‘J&K industries didn’t benefit from cross-LoC trade’

Cross-LoC trade between Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan administered Kashmir (PaK) has not been able to benefit the industrial sector of the state, a Jammu-based traders body has alleged.

As per standard operating procedure (SOP), the items manufactured or procured in Jammu and Kashmir and PaK are eligible for trade and 21 items are being traded, said Bari Brahmana Industrial Association (BBIA) General Secretary Ajay Langer.

Of these 21 items, most were neither manufactured nor produced in Jammu and Kashmir due to which the industrial sector in the state gets neglected for cross-LoC trade, he added.

“All goods manufactured in Jammu and Kashmir must be brought into the ambit of cross-LoC trade and routes should also be opened to facilitate trade between the two sides”, Langer said.

“It is a matter of great concern that no benefit was given to the industrial sector of our state in cross-LoC trade,” he added.

Besides, Langer appealed to Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Finance Minister Haseeb Drabu to take up the issue with the Centre for economic development of the state.